Has it Sunk in Yet?

I think it's starting to. It has been a very exhausting week. Gabi has done incredibly well. I think the weight of the last year and a half has finally gotten the best of me, however. I am so exhausted I can hardly believe it. I know it isn't from Gabi. I've been with her for over 6 weeks and I was just as busy in Antigua as I have been here. But I think my body is finally purging the cloud that has been hanging over us.

Despite the exhaustion, I do think that it is beginning to register that Gabi is here forever. I love seeing her toys scattered everywhere, her dishes from the last meal, her snacks, her sippy cup, her laundry. All of it is finally being used at HOME!!! It's so odd because much of it was used over the last year, but it is a tremendous difference to see her toddling around our living room instead of a hotel room or apartment.

Maybe this helps too... tonight at dinner Gabi grabbed both of my cheeks in her little hands, pulled me to her and kissed me right on the lips-- pucker and all. There's nothing more real than knowing that you can do that a hundred times a day if you want. She is the most perfect fit with us. And although it is impossible to be perfect, to me, she is perfection.

Just Hangin' Out and Another Surprise!

It's so nice to have little to report. No sleep problems. No food problems. No attachment problems (yet!). Things are working out pretty well.

Today, Gabi and I set out to visit the school where I did my speech internship last spring. I had the BEST experience and I loved working there. We thought we were visiting everyone over lunch in between the morning and afternoon classes. Instead of just lunch, they threw Gabi a shower. We had lunch and delicious strawberry shortcake dessert and lots of presents. These people were so supportive when we first received Gabi's referral. They celebrated with me and have stuck it out with me all year long. Today, they descended upon us with gifts and sweet cards and wonderful wishes. They rejoiced with me that she is finally home and Gabi loved meeting and hanging out with them. We are so lucky to have the Washington EC on our side!!! Thank you Debbie and crew! It meant soooo much to us.

Tonight we had dinner with MK, Amanda and Amie. Gabi ate enough for two adults and sat back and showed us her belly. Impressive!! Ed loves those girls. I think he welcomed the opportunity to take a break from studying for finals. And he loves to show off his beautiful daughter.

Here are a couple of pics from the last few days.

A couple of Favorites

These are a couple of my favorites from the last few days...

More Pics from the Weekend

BIG WEEKEND

On Friday, Gabi had her first pediatrician's appointment. She weighs a whopping 18 lbs. Ed and I cheered in the hallway when we saw the scale hit 18. She's gained 3/4 lb. in a month. She had been so stagnant that we really wanted to see some progress. She is in great health and our doctor is amazing. She knows exactly what to look for in IA children and was very thorough about child development, vaccinations, current research and overall care. However, Gabi had to get 3 shots, a TB test and blood drawn for several screenings. She was NOT happy. But she's our little trooper.

We went to Mt. Vernon this weekend to spend time with family and friends. Gran Gran drove up and we were able to hang out with Paige, Barry, Liza and Mom and Dad. We saw a lot of friends and Gabi had a great time. I can't believe how well she is taking all the chaos in stride.
Friday night we went out to dinner and Gabi did well for most of the night. She eventually had enough and let us all know. Saturday we went to the park and several "Gabi Stalkers" joined us to meet her in the flesh. It was pretty funny that people just kept pulling up at the park. Gabi got to swing and go down the slide and climb on some things. She loved it! Gabi also stood up from her little rocker and took 3 steps toward me. She's so close to walking independently.

Saturday night, Mom and Dad had a belated birthday party for Gabi. We had cake, present and friends and family. She didn't have a great nap so Edward and I braced ourselves that she might not do very well. She fooled us all! Apparently, this center of attention game is her specialty. She just lit up and reveled in having on those eyes on her. She also tore into her cake like it was the last food on earth. But she did offer some to everyone else.

Today, Gabi had an especially big day! She got her first haircut from Auntie Li. I think it's safe to say that she wasn't Liza's easiest customer. She doesn't know the meaning of sitting still, but she did great and the new 'do is darling! We estimated that Liza took 4 inches off. She still has plenty of hair too! After the haircut, we were able to go out to Paige and Barry's farm to see if she had any interest in going for a horseback ride. Of course she did. She went for a ride on Grandpa and loved every second. Uncle Barry and Daddy held her. She grinned from ear to ear. Grandpa is a sweet old guy and he loves to take kids for rides. She also got to pet Snap before her ride. Snap was sweet to her too.

The final excursion was back to Uncle Barry and Aunt Paige's house to meet Bocephus the Pot- Bellied pig. Technically, his name is Bocephus the Baconator but that requires a lot of energy to say. We call him Boce. And Gabi thought he was a stitch. She laughed at him and tried to walk after him and he sort of thought she was a bully. Can you imagine a pig thinking 18-lb Gabi is a bully? Well, he did. Gabi and the animals were a hysterical source of entertainment today.

And the big moment came when she kissed Aunt Paige on the lips. She didn't let her kiss her. She kissed Paige right on the smacker. She's never done that before. She'll lean in and sometimes she does a pop with her mouth. But that was a first. And it was right after Paige thumped her in the head with her camera. Gabi really, really wanted Aunt Paige to know there were no hard feelings.

Some of these pics are from the weekend and some are from last week. Many of them are courtesy of Paige. Enjoy!!

A Few Pics to Tide You Over...

Welcome Home, Baby Girl!!!

For the first time in my life, Ed and I were able to get our daughter up out of her crib in her house! Can you imagine a more perfect moment? We can't!!!

We arrived home at 2:27 a.m. Gabi did an incredible job on the flight. We've had a full day today. Gabi's Papa came by on his drive from Chicago and she got to show him her newest tricks. I think Papa might be a little smitten. We also had dinner with our MK and Gabi thinks she's funny and sweet. MK wasn't sure she would like Gabi and was very nervous (yeah right) about their first meeting. Luckily she's in love with our Gabi and is considering moving in with us to avoid separation.

Gabi's Grandpal, Eileen, stopped by over lunch to say hello. Gabi shared her raisin bread and they had a lovely visit. Anyone who brings raisin toast over is ok in Gabi's book.

We were so lucky to be greeted at the airport by our families. I have a lot of pictures to post but I can't get anything to work so I'll have to wait until tomorrow. We were also able to meet Uncle Josh, Aunt Kristin, Ryker, Reagan and Pam in Atlanta. There is nothing better than sharing this adoption with them. Their enthusiasm for Gabi has been as intense as it was for their own two children. We have been so fortunate to have them with us every step of the way. Kristin has been my voice of reason, wall of strength and gentle listener throughout this adoption. I am so blessed to have a friend who knows exactly how I feel-- both highs and lows. Thank you, Kristin. We love you so much.

When we arrived home, we found several things. First, there were balloons, bows, decorated trees and signs from my friends, Kyra and Kristen. Such a delightful sight!! Then there was a cooler with milk, orange juice, fruit and raisin bread decorated with balloons. Delicious and perfect! When we went inside the house, MK left instructions about how to bake the breakfast casserole that was in the fridge and a full report on Izzy's state of mind. There was also a brand new birthday outfit, book and Kid Sister from MK. Does it get any better than that?

Needless to say, we had a delicious breakfast without lifting a finger and were able to enjoy Gabi's first morning at home. Ed and I kept saying to each other throughout the day, "Our daughter is taking a nap in her bed. Our daughter is playing with her new toys. Our daughter this... our daughter that." We feel like we should just keep pinching ourselves. We're finally home with our family.

I have about a million thank you and some incredible pictures-- thanks to Paige-- but I MUST go to bed. I'm so tired I'm not making sense anymore.

They Don't Accept Mastercard

They'll only take visa tomorrow. Gabriella will become a U.S. citizen in Atlanta, Georgia. We'll have a short layover and on to St. Louis.

We are having breakfast tomorrow morning with Jackelin, Gabi's foster mother. We didn't think we were going to be able to see her. Fortunately at the last minute we were able to make it happen. We're glad to have the opportunity to see her one more time before we leave. We will keep in touch and visit Guatemala again. When we do, we will always try to see her. She's been such an incredible mother to Gabi. And Ella. And the many other children she's cared for over the years.

So pray for safe travels tomorrow. This is a huge day for our family. We cannot wait. I think it's finally hitting Edward. He can't believe that we're ALL going home. So funny to hear him talk about it.

Pictures

Our friend Hugo at the Marriott